Damsels in line for top award
A MIDLANDS coaching business set up to empower women to improve their lives is in line for a major award.
Damsels in Success was set up in 2008 by Karen Footman and Lucie Bradbury with the aim of enabling women to fulfil their potential but in a feminine way.
The approach is at odds with a recent survey which concluded that women in top jobs had only attained their positions by being aggressive and over-bearing.
The Warwickshire duo, who have each given up corporate careers to devote their energies to their business, have seen Damsels grow significantly during the past year, helping hundreds of women with their personal development.
The group holds monthly meetings where members can network and listen to inspirational speakers about their work. This is followed by regular coaching sessions, many on a one-to-one basis to help women follow through on what they have learned.
Mrs Footman said: “We see so many women who go on personal development courses and finds it hard either to integrate what they have learned in their real world or they find it hard to keep up the momentum.
“We believe our ongoing support and reminders ensure they can adopt our philosophy easily into everyday life.”
The performance by Damsels has seen the company gain recognition by being nominated for an award in the Learning category of this year’s Women On Their Way awards, which take place tomorrow at Aston Villa’s Holte Suite.
The awards, the brainchild of former Apprentice candidate Jo Cameron and her co-director Lisa Ibbotson, aim to showcase successful firms run by women and promote their owners as successful role models to other businesswomen.
The awards event is in its second year and aims to connect women through the UK, to inspire and to increase their self belief.
Founder Jo Cameron said: “We are delighted that Karen and Lucie have been shortlisted. There are so many amazing women in the UK who don’t always recognise the impact they have made and it is my absolute privilege to be inspired by so many incredible women.”
This year the award judges include Gill Fielding and Caroline Marsh of TV’s Secret Millionaire and other esteemed women from both the public and private sectors.
Other categories include: Start-up; High Growth Business; Online Business; Women in Public Office; Women in Construction/Engineering; Women in Transportation; Women in Law; Women in Finance; Women in the Community; Woman’s Advocate; Outstanding Contribution; and Entrepreneur. There will also be one overall winner.
